Arrest of British soldier accused of raping woman near BATUK in Kenya

A British soldier has been accused of raping a woman near the British Army Training Unit in Kenya. The alleged incident took place last month after a group of soldiers visited a bar in the town of Nanyuki, which is about 125 miles north of the capital, Nairobi. 

The Ministry of Defence has told BFBS Forces News an investigation has been launched by the UK Defence Serious Crime Command and that all soldiers who visit or train at the unit have clear direction on how to behave, on and off duty. 

There is zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We can confirm the arrest of a service person in Kenya. 

"As the matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command, we will not comment further."   The Army has already launched a Service Inquiry into allegations against UK troops in Kenya violating the Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy, which was introduced three years ago. 

Defence Secretary John Healey visited Kenya in April to set out the high standards of behaviour expected of all personnel and also met with the family of Agnes Wanjiru, who was murdered in Nanyuki in 2012. 

A Kenyan inquest six years ago alleged one or more British soldiers had been involved.  

Mr Healey said the meeting had been deeply humbling and reiterated his determination to see the family receive justice, with the case still unresolved.